“The tech and startup scene in Springfield has a lot of momentum right now,” Sen. Lesser said. “Sessions like this help convert that momentum into the economic transformation Springfield must and can achieve.”

The “Future Cities” session used focus groups to develop plans for how to make Springfield a world-class technology accelerator. Ideas shared included slogans and development proposals like the creation of a dining district, which is already in progress.

Sen. Lesser also spoke about the new Millennial Engagement Initiative he is leading in the Massachusetts Senate, which aims to create a dialogue between state government and young people across Massachusetts.